This is a work in progress.
It's a rather conventional quadcopter but with a few tweaks.
The goal of this project is to make a small, transportable, waterproof, sturdy quadcopter that can carry go-pros and similar cameras.
Here's where we are so far:
- 3D printed, sturdy, full-body design w/ integrated prop protectors
- 6S
- 250-300mm size
- ~8min planned flight time
- digitally stabilized onboard video (no gimbal, on post process, to warping effects)
- waterproof
- APM powered
And here's a video from one of the early tests.
We still have to test things like "underwater flying" and do some general all-around testing, plus small other improvements.
Comments
Mr Ali Shanmao on youtube shows 2.4ghz can work slightly underwater..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnrmuntLygE
Very interesting frame.. keep up the news..
Video stabilization is done via Sony's bionz processor of their action cam - its actually very good IMO so i'm happy with that as an alternative to a gimbal for "sportsy use".
The cameras sensors and lens they provide are arguably a little lower quality than a GoPro4, but its decently close enough.
6S provides enough power for the frame weight (300+gr 3d printed) and things like moving props in water, yes.
Otherwise, it flies ok on 5S and 4S as well.
6S also provides the longest flight time with that setup (its a small quad, ~250mm rotor to rotor)
I'm very curious about your software stabilized video. Are you using a lens and sensor similar to the Parrot?
Thanks for the feedback guys!
Yes, we want to be able to sink under water but we also expect quite a few changes as we test. The goal is not to be a "submarine replacement", since that would require ballasts, but being able to go 1 or 2 meters under water (at least so far) and re-emerge and take off.
If that works well, we might consider a floater antenna and other changes for a more submarine-like experience :)
Nice idea, but high frequency radio signals will be lost the moment you submerge in water, so at the very least you will need a "floater antenna" or something like that.